Geneva, Switzerland — The ongoing war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine continues to cause extensive human suffering and destruction, while creating global risks and crises. In response, leaders from around the world gathered in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024, to enhance dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of the summit, the participants reiterated their commitment to the principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter. “We gathered in Switzerland to enhance a high-level dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” the communique stated, emphasizing their commitment to resolutions A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6 adopted at the UN General Assembly.
The summit built on previous discussions centered on Ukraine’s Peace Formula and other peace proposals aligned with international law. “This Summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula and other peace proposals which are in line with international law, including the United Nations Charter.”
The leaders expressed their deep appreciation for Switzerland’s hospitality and its initiative to host the High-Level Summit, recognizing it as an expression of Switzerland’s firm commitment to promoting international peace and security. “We deeply appreciate Switzerland’s hospitality and its initiative to host the High-Level Summit as expression of its firm commitment to promoting international peace and security.”
A comprehensive and constructive exchange of views took place during the summit, aiming to establish a framework for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on international law. “We had a fruitful, comprehensive and constructive exchange of various views on pathways towards a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter.”
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to key principles such as refraining from the threat or use of force, respecting sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, and resolving disputes through peaceful means. “We reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders.”
Key aspects of the communique included:
- Nuclear Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of nuclear installations in Ukraine, particularly the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with IAEA principles. “Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible.”
- Global Food Security: Highlighting the importance of uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products, free and safe commercial navigation, and access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas. “Food security must not be weaponized in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries.”
- Prisoners and Displaced Persons: Calling for the release of all prisoners of war through complete exchange, and the return of all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians. “All prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange. All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine.”
The summit concluded with a call for further engagement and dialogue between all parties to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. “We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties.”
The principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, were underscored as the foundation for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. “The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
